Velocity is the speed of an object in a specific direction. It tells you both how fast something is moving and where it is going.
To calculate speed, use the formula Speed = Distance ÷ Time.
You divide the total distance an object travels by the total time it took to travel that distance. Common units for your final answer are miles per hour (mph), kilometers per hour (km/h), or meters per second (m/s).
The Formula and Steps
- Identify Distance (d): Find how far the object went (such as in meters, miles, or kilometers).
- Identify Time (t): Find how long it took (such as in seconds, minutes, or hours).
- Divide: Put the distance number on top and the time number on the bottom.
- Add Units: Write your distance unit over your time unit (like miles/hour).
Example Calculation
- If a car drives a distance of 150 kilometers in 3 hours, you divide 150 by 3.
- 150 ÷ 3 = 50
- The speed of the car is 50 km/h
What is the speed of 1.5 km in 5 minutes?
Answer: 18 km/hr
What is the formula for speed?
Answer: The formula for speed is distance divided by time (v=d/t).
What is the SI unit of velocity?
Answer: The SI unit of velocity is metres per second (m/s).
